Texans Optimistic About Tank Dell's Recovery, Will Evaluate Status After Spring Workouts

Receiver making progress after devastating knee injury, team taking cautious approach to his return

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:52pm

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The Texans are taking a long-term approach with wide receiver Tank Dell's recovery from a devastating knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. After undergoing multiple surgeries, Dell is making progress but the team will evaluate his status after spring workouts to determine his activity level for training camp. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and GM Nick Caserio emphasized they won't rush Dell back and want to ensure he's fully healthy before returning to the field.

Why it matters

Dell's injury was a major blow to the Texans' offense in 2025, as he had emerged as a dynamic playmaker in the slot. His return will provide a significant boost to the passing game and the connection between Dell and quarterback C.J. Stroud. The team is optimistic about Dell's recovery but is taking a cautious approach to ensure he can make a full and lasting return.

The details

After dislocating his knee and tearing multiple ligaments in December 2024, Dell underwent two surgeries performed by Dr. James Andrews. He missed the entire 2025 season but has been rehabbing diligently and making progress. The Texans will evaluate his status after spring workouts to determine how much he can participate in training camp, with Caserio saying 'it's probably a day-to-day' situation. Ryans said the team won't rush Dell back and wants him to return when he's fully healthy, even if that means missing some of the offseason program.

  • In December 2024, Dell suffered the devastating knee injury while catching a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • Dell missed the entire 2025 NFL season as he recovered from the injury.
  • The Texans will evaluate Dell's status after spring workouts to determine his activity level for training camp.

The players

Tank Dell

A wide receiver for the Houston Texans who is making a comeback after suffering a severe knee injury in 2024 that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

DeMeco Ryans

The head coach of the Houston Texans, who has emphasized the team will take a cautious approach to Dell's return to ensure he is fully healthy.

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans, who said the team will evaluate Dell's status after spring workouts to determine his availability for training camp.

C.J. Stroud

The Texans' quarterback, who is close friends with Dell and is eager to have his dynamic playmaking ability back on the field.

Nico Collins

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Texans who has been supportive of Dell during his recovery process.

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What they’re saying

“Tank, he's grinding, great attitude. Don't know if OTA's he'll be there, but I know he'll back for us at some point this year. As I told Tank, it's not a matter of getting back to OTA's just to get back, it's just a matter of getting back in a really good spot physically to where you stay there.”

— DeMeco Ryans, Head Coach, Houston Texans

“With Tank, honestly, it's probably a day-to-day, we'll kind of see where he is. Probably have a better idea as we get through the spring of what his availability is going to be in training camp. He's been here pretty religiously, since he's been able to do more once he's gotten out of the rehab stage.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans

“Tank is a brother of mine, somebody who's like blood to me. To see what he's gone through the last two years has been heartbreaking and he's been through a lot. But I know he's grown a lot as a person and as a young man, especially as a man of God. So, I'm proud of him. The smile he continues to have on his face is contagious.”

— C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Houston Texans

“Yeah, man, you know, Tank, he wants to be out here. We got to continue to keep his spirits up, tell him we out here for you. Be in his corner no matter what. You know, like nobody want to miss the game you love. It's heartbreaking, it's crushing when you can't be out there with your brothers.”

— Nico Collins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.